About
OER Introduction
Given the uncertain nature of contemporary times and the increasing number and intensity of attacks on democracy worldwide, the Open Society University Network (OSUN) has rightly made civic engagement one of the most influential and integral components of its educational offerings. Over the past four years, nearly 50 Civic Engagement courses have been taught across the network, enrolling more than 800 students. OSUN has also developed a Certificate in Civic Engagement, which has been completed by over 300 students. Additionally, around 120 Civic Engagement Fellows have supported their universities in planning and delivering civic engagement activities. Their work has impacted thousands of people and communities across the world, showing how powerful the network could be for global civic transformation.
For many OSUN member institutions, equipping students with the skills and opportunities to engage with their communities and drive positive change is a core part of their mission. This commitment is reflected in student projects undertaken as part of graduation requirements or community outreach initiatives across the network. Civic engagement courses emphasize the practical side of engaging with one’s community: alongside gaining theoretical knowledge, students are asked to design projects that address crucial community needs. Students have developed a wide variety of project proposals: some of them, often supported by OSUN funding, have been implemented and have had meaningful social impact. In this manner, students come to understand the extent that theory and practice are interrelated mutually helping, shaping them into intelligent and capable public servants.
The present research project offers a snapshot of the work students have accomplished to date through their projects. Using a combination of qualitative, such as interviews and questionnaires, and quantitative methods, we provide a summary of the skills students developed during their OSUN courses that supported them in conceiving, planning, and, in some cases, implementing their projects. We were also able to identify key challenges students faced, the lessons they learned and the types of skills essential to reaching their goals. As part of this research, we were also able to collaborate with 8 students and put together case studies based on their experience. We hope these case studies will serve both as examples of the kinds of achievements students can attain and as practical guidance for future cohorts working on projects in the civil society space.
I would like to thank OSUN who provided the opportunity and funding to complete this important research initiative under OSUN’s Open Educational Resource proposal call. Also, many thanks to the team that worked hard and put together this project.
Project Leaders:
- Dr. Chrys Margaritidis
- Brian Mateo
Project Consultant:
- Erin Cannan
Project Manager:
- Zarlast Sarmast
Project Assistants:
- Aaron Dickinson
- Myat Moe Kywe
- Abdullah Naseer
- Huy Vu
Dr. Chrys Margaritidis